Indian supporters abuse Spanish umpire

A group of incensed Indian supporters hurled abuses at Spanish umpire Xavier Adell for awarding a controversial penalty corner.

Written by Press Trust of India

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Athens:

Alert policemen had to intervene and pacify a group of incensed Indian supporters who hurled abuses at Spanish umpire Xavier Adell for awarding a controversial penalty corner which cost India the hockey match against New Zealand in the Olympic Games here today.
Immediately after the crucial match ended with India losing 1-2, a large group of Indian spectators shouted abuses at Adell holding him responsible for the defeat which has snuffed whatever little hopes India had of qualifying for the Olympic Games semi-final.
Police had to intervene and shepherd the spectators away to avoid any untoward incident at the Helliniko Hockey Centre.
Adell overruled his fellow umpire Ray O'Connor of Ireland to award a penalty corner just at the stroke of hooter and Hayden Shaw converted the setpiece to seal the fate of the Indians in the must-win encounter.
The Indian players protested and argued with the umpire but Adell stuck to his decision.
Indian Hockey Federation president K P S Gill, who was also present at the venue, held a discussion with other officials before deciding to lodge a formal complaint which was subsequently rejected by the Tournament Director Wiert Doyer. (PTI)